The Kano State House of Assembly has initiated impeachment proceedings against Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo over allegations of gross misconduct, abuse of office, and breach of public trust.
The notice of impeachment was formally presented during plenary by the Majority Leader, Lawan Hussaini Dala, who said the process aligns with Section 188 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
According to Dala, the allegations stem from Abdussalam’s tenure as Commissioner for Local Government between 2023 and 2024, as well as actions taken in his current role. Central claims include the diversion of local government funds, abuse of office, and conduct deemed impeachable under the constitution.
Dala alleged that while overseeing the state’s 44 local government councils, Abdussalam received N1.5 million monthly from each council between June 2023 and January 2024—amounting to N462 million over seven months. From February to July 2024, he reportedly received additional payments of N3.255 million per council per month for special assignments, totaling approximately N726 million.
The notice also accused the deputy governor of facilitating payments of N10 million each from the 44 councils to NovoMed Pharmaceuticals Limited, totaling N440 million, in alleged violation of the state’s procurement and fiscal regulations.
“The misuse of official capacity to confer undue advantage constitutes abuse of power and is contrary to the obligations of public office,” Dala said. He added that the cumulative allegations amount to gross misconduct as defined under Section 188(2) of the constitution.
The Majority Leader confirmed that 38 lawmakers endorsed the impeachment notice, meeting the constitutional threshold required to commence the process. The Speaker of the House acknowledged receipt of the document and is expected to formally notify Abdussalam.
Under constitutional provisions, once the notice is served, the House may request the Chief Judge of Kano State to constitute an investigative panel if the motion secures the necessary majority.